US considers giving $500 million to new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: Report
The US is considering a $500 million aid package to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation despite concerns over mismanagement, violence, and Israeli influence.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. government agency responsible for providing global humanitarian assistance and economic development. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID operates in over 100 countries, working to promote democracy, economic growth, education, healthcare, and disaster relief.
USAID's mission is to advance U.S. foreign policy goals by fostering stability, reducing poverty, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and pandemics. It provides funding, technical expertise, and partnerships to governments, NGOs, and private sector actors to drive sustainable development.
Key focus areas include global health, where USAID fights diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, democracy and governance, supporting free elections and human rights, and humanitarian assistance, responding to natural disasters and conflicts worldwide. The agency also prioritizes women's empowerment, climate resilience, and economic development through initiatives like Power Africa and Feed the Future.
While USAID operates independently, it collaborates with the State Department and other US agencies.
The US is considering a $500 million aid package to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation despite concerns over mismanagement, violence, and Israeli influence.
The Ministry of Health India has introduced a urine colour chart to help people monitor hydration easily. This initiative aims to reduce dehydration risks and promote healthier water intake habits across the country.
India faces rising heatstroke dangers as summer temperatures hit new highs. The Health Ministry urges precautions to protect citizens from heat-related illnesses.
Elon Musk has responded to Bill Gates’ comment that Musk is killing children with his work with DOGE. The Tesla CEO says, “who does Bill Gates think he is to make comments about the welfare of children, given that he was very close with Jeffrey Epstein?”
Elon Musk, who has played a central role in the Trump administration's controversial drive to streamline the federal government, confirmed plans this week to reduce his government time commitment to just one or two days per week starting in May.
Jeremy Lewin, a young DOGE staffer, has been named acting head of foreign assistance at the State Department, replacing Pete Marocco. His appointment marks a key step in Trump’s push cut billions in foreign assistance.
The Trump administration has cut funding for US-backed World Food Program emergency efforts that were sustaining millions in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and 11 other conflict-affected nations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described India and China as rich countries and urged them to contribute more to global humanitarian crises, including aid for victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar.
As Myanmar reels from a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that claimed over 3,300 lives, the US government's ability to deliver timely aid has been hampered by sweeping cuts to its foreign assistance programs.
Elon Musk's cost-cutting team is finalizing the shutdown of USAID, ordering mass layoffs of diplomats and civil servants.
Thousands of USAID staff and Foreign Service officers assigned to the agency learned in an internal memo that all positions not required by law would be eliminated in July and September.
The Elon Musk-led DOGE has paused foreign aid to the United Nations. Funding cuts to global HIV programs could lead to a rise in infections and deaths, a new Lancet study said.
Amidst the USAID showdown, the finance ministry said no US funds were given for voter turnout last year.
A massive political showdown erupted over US President Donald Trump's claim that USAID under the previous administration led by Joe Biden allocated USD 21 million in funding to India for 'voter turnout'.
US President Donald Trump's claim of $21 million USAID funding for voter turnout in India has triggered a political controversy.
The Trump administration has fired 2,000 employees from USAID, placing many more on leave.
Trump's administration fired 2,000 USAID staff amid claims of misdirected funds, sparking India's rebuttal.
The US funded seven projects in India in 2023-24, amounting to $750 million for various key sectors.
BJP and Congress engage in a verbal battle over Trump's claim of $21 million USAID funds influencing Indian voter turnout.
India Today's probe reveals USAID's funding to partners for democratic participation, sparking BJP's demand for Congress's explanations on alleged US election interference in India.
US President Donald Trump claimed the Biden administration allocated $21 million to boost voter turnout in India, suggesting it could be a kickback scheme. The Congress cited reports that USAID allocated funds to Bangladesh, not India. The BJP alleged foreign interference, while Congress demanded a white paper on fund usage. The controversy has sparked a political debate on potential foreign meddling in Indian elections.
Trump alleging that $21M USAID allocation was to "elect someone else" has led to fresh controversy within India.
Days after US President Donald Trump claimed USAID interference in Indian elections, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called these allegations 'deeply troubling' and said relevant departments are investigating.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has termed the claims 'extremely troubling' and said relevant departments are investigating the matter.